In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, where rivalries are fierce and schedules grueling, a love story has blossomed between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa, captivating fans both on and off the court. The couple, affectionately dubbed “Tsitsidosa” by their devoted followers, recently opened up about the charming moment that ignited their romance during the 2023 Italian Open in Rome. In a candid interview in Paris ahead of the 2025 French Open, Tsitsipas revealed how a bold text message and Badosa’s lightning-fast reply set the stage for their enduring relationship, despite her initial hesitation. “Paula Badosa replied 3 seconds later,” Tsitsipas shared with a grin, recounting the exchange that marked the beginning of their journey together.
The story began in May 2023, when Tsitsipas, the world No. 11 from Greece, found himself captivated by Badosa’s performance against Ons Jabeur at the Italian Open. Watching from the players’ lounge, he made a private pact with himself: if Badosa won her second-round match, he would take a chance and message her. “I saw that opportunity and made a deal with myself that if she ends up winning the match, I will send her a text,” he recalled. Badosa, then ranked No. 35, delivered a stellar performance, prompting Tsitsipas to send a simple “Congratulations.” To his delight, her response was nearly instantaneous. “Paula replied literally three seconds later,” he said, a moment that sparked a connection that would soon become one of tennis’s most celebrated romances.
Badosa, however, admitted to a fleeting moment of uncertainty upon receiving Tsitsipas’s message. “Bad move, no? I had a dilemma there. I didn’t know what to do,” the 27-year-old Spaniard confessed, revealing that Tsitsipas had been “a little bit also my crush.” Despite her hesitation, she decided to seize the moment. “You know what? I’ll just reply fast and let’s see how it goes,” she said, a decision that led to a whirlwind romance that went public a month later at Wimbledon 2023. The couple confirmed their relationship in a modern twist, updating their Spotify profile pictures with playful selfies together, a move that sent fans into a frenzy.
Their bond, built on shared passions and mutual understanding, has weathered challenges, including a brief split in May 2024. Badosa announced their amicable parting on social media, stating, “We have shared a journey filled with love and learning, and it is as friends with immense mutual respect that we now choose to move forward on our own paths.” Yet, just weeks later, the couple rekindled their romance, with Tsitsipas admitting, “I realized that this relationship I have with Paula is completely different from any other relationship I have had in the past.” Their reunion was marked by public displays of affection, including hand-holding in Monaco and cheering each other on at tournaments like the 2025 Australian Open, where Badosa reached the semifinals.
The couple’s chemistry extends beyond the court. Badosa, who has battled a chronic back injury, credited Tsitsipas for being her “light” during her darkest moments, particularly in 2023 when she contemplated retirement. “I met Stef right after my injury. It was one of the hardest seasons for me, and he brought me the happiness, support, and fresh air that I needed,” she shared. Tsitsipas, in turn, has been inspired by Badosa’s resilience, saying, “Her success gives me a lot of motivation.” Their playful banter, like Badosa’s cheeky declaration of loving “all Greek food and Greek men” during an Instagram Q&A, and Tsitsipas’s teasing about her rapid texting, keeps their relationship vibrant.
Despite their demanding schedules, Tsitsipas and Badosa prioritize their connection, often sharing glimpses of their life together, from cozy dinner dates to language lessons—Badosa learning Greek words like “agapi” (love), and Tsitsipas tackling Spanish, despite her playful insistence on speaking Catalan. Their friend, Aryna Sabalenka, summed it up best: “It’s a love story, it’s so beautiful and I’m super happy for Paula.” As they navigate the 2025 season, with Badosa back in the WTA top 10 and Tsitsipas aiming to rebound from early exits, their relationship remains a beacon of joy, proving that love can thrive amidst the pressures of professional tennis.
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